IntoIndia

This adventure holiday combines the best of trekking and river running in the Indian Himalayas.

The five day trek included in this holiday takes us to the intriguing Roopkund Lake (5029m). In 1942 local forest staff made a amazing discovery when they found over 300 skeletons at Roopkund Lake (5029m). Until 2004 scientists, historians and archaeologists continued to be puzzled by these remains. There were many theories about these people, who were they, where were they going and what were they doing at this high altitude. Were they traders, pilgrims or warriors? What killed them? Modern DNA testing answered some questions and giant hailstones, the size of cricket balls were identified as the cause of death. This trail goes through woodland, flora filled pastures and hamlets with great views of Nanda Ghungti (6310 m), Changabang (6864 m) & Trishul (7120 m) peaks.

The Kali river expedition is a fantastic introduction to white-water kayaking or rafting in India. It is ideal for kayakers who want to go on holiday with friends that have no kayaking experience, as they can raft instead. This picturesque river has long rapids with fun wave trains followed by relaxing flat sections making it a very safe rafting holiday. The river forms the border between India and Nepal. Generally we have lunch in Nepal and then set up camp on a large sandy beach in India. The river is full of fish including the impressive Himalayan Mahseer. If you can catch one, we will cook it! There is great wildlife in the area and you may be lucky enough to spot leopard, bear, elephant, monkey and some of the 500 different species of bird.

1. Day 1

   Activities

   1. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
   2. Hotel

   Arrival in India.

   You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel. Spend the afternoon and evening relaxing in your hotel room or taking in the sights of Delhi. Overnight Hotel.

2. Day 2

   Activities

   1. Train
   2. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
   3. Tent
   4. Rafting / Kayaking

   Delhi to Rishikesh (330 m): 5/6 hrs

   Take the train to Haridwar and then drive to Rishikesh. Afternoon rafting.

3. Day 3

   Activities

   1. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
   2. Tent

   Rishikesh to Lohajung (2290 m): 8/9 hrs.

   Drive from Rishikesh to Lohajung.

4. Day 4

   Activities

   1. Tent
   2. Trekking

   Lohajung to Didina (2525 m) 4/5 hrs

   Trek from Lohajung to Didina.

5. Day 5

   Activities

   1. Tent
   2. Trekking

   Didina to Ali Bugyal to Bedni Bugyal (3350 m)

   Trek from Didina to Bedni Bugyal via Ali Bugyal.

6. Day 6

   Activities

   1. Tent
   2. Trekking

   Bedni Bugyal to Bhagubasa (4100 m) 4/5 hrs

   Trek from Bedni Bugyal to Bhagubasa.

7. Day 7

   Activities

   1. Tent
   2. Trekking

   Bhagubasa to Roopkund Lake (5029 m) to Bedni Bugyal 7/8 hrs

   Trek to the Roopkund Lake and then return to Bedni Bugyal.

8. Day 8

   Activities

   1. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
   2. Tent
   3. Trekking

   Bedni Bugyal to Wan (2436 m) to Lohajung 5/6 hrs

   Trek to Wan and then drive to Lohajung.

9. Day 9

   Activities

   1. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
   2. Hotel

   Lohajung to Pithoragarh: 8 hrs

   Drive from Lohajung to Pithoragarh.

10. Day 10

    Activities

    1. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
    2. Tent
    3. Rafting / Kayaking

    Pithoragarh to Jauljibi to Chakidri Beach: 5/6 hrs.

    Drive to Jauljibi and then raft to Chakidri Beach.

11. Day 11

    Activities

    1. Tent
    2. Rafting / Kayaking

    Chakidri to Matola: 3/4 hrs.

    Raft from Chakidri to Matola.

12. Day 12

    Activities

    1. Tent
    2. Rafting / Kayaking

    Matola to Niddle: 4/5 hrs.

    Paddle from Matola to Niddle beach.

13. Day 13

    Activities

    1. Tent
    2. Rafting / Kayaking

    Niddle to Susila: 5 hrs.

    Paddle from Niddle to Susila beach.

14. Day 14

    Activities

    1. Tent
    2. Rafting / Kayaking

    Susila to Pari: 4 hrs.

    Paddle from Susila to Pari beach.

15. Day 15

    Activities

    1. Train
    2. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
    3. Rafting / Kayaking

    Chooka to Boom to Kathgodam: 6 hrs.

    Paddle to Boom and then drive to Kathgodam. In the evening catch the train for Delhi.

16. Day 16

    Activities

    1. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
    2. Plane

    Arrive Delhi - Depart India.

    Arrive in Delhi in the early morning. Transfer from the train station the international airport in time for your flight home. Trip ends.

Our detailed trip dossiers include a full daily itinerary, information about trip prices, accommodation, booking, payment and general travel advice.

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The following is what we recommend you take, and is a guideline of what to bring. You are responsible to have the necessary personal equipment you need for this holiday.

Mountain Wear

Walking boots. If you are buying new boots for this trip please ensure they are well broken in before hand. Few things will make you more miserable during the trek than blisters.

• Two pairs of thick socks and two pairs of thin socks.
• Two or Three cotton t-shirts to wear in the evenings.
• 2 pairs of lightweight trousers or pants, one for trekking and one to wear at night
• 1 pair of shorts.
• A good thermal (polypropylene) layer consisting of long johns and pullover.
• Two light weight fleeces or wool jumpers.
• A heavy fleece or down jacket.
• Rain and wind proof jacket and trousers.
• A warm sleeping bag, preferable 3/4 season's.
• A thermorest if you have one. We provide karrimats for all clients.
• A woolen hat to wear in the mornings and evenings.
• A sun hat with a wide brim to cover the face and neck.
• Sunglasses.
• Suncream at least factor 15.
• A pair of gloves.
• A camera.
• A book and/or writing paper.
• Underwear, we recommend you bring enough so you are comfortable at all times. Washing can be arranged in any of the large towns on your itinerary upon request.
• Duffel bag or large rucksack to carry to gear while trekking. We recommend you use something strong and sturdy, as this bag will be carried by a porter or packed on a mule or yak.
• Daypack: This is a small rucksack to carry the gear you will need while trekking. Camera, spare jacket, waterproof jacket, water bottle, pack lunch etc.
• Water bottle.
• Small towel for washing.
• Wallet and /or money belt with compartment for coins.
• Toiletries, N.B as little as possible, if you are travelling with friends try to share toiletries.
• Headlamp or small torch with spare batteries.

River Wear for Rafters

• We provide wet suits, wet suit boots, splash jackets, helmets, PFD's (life jackets) and all other specialised river wear.
• A pair of sandals.
• A pair of shorts or swimming costume.
• A long sleeved shirt to wear under your life jacket on hots days.
• A sun hat with a wide brim to cover the face and neck.
• Sunglasses.
• Suncream at least factor 15.
• A good thermal (polypropylene) layer consisting of long johns and pullover.

River Wear for Kayakers

• Kayak and paddle.
• A pair of good sandals, neoprene boots, kayaking shoes (teva's).
• A pair of shorts or swimsuit.
• 2 long sleeved thermals.
• A short sleeved thermal.
• A pair of shorts.
• A pair of thermal tights.
• A shortie or full cag. (splash jacket).
• Sunglasses with chums (rope so they don't fall off your head).
• Suncream at least factor 15.
• A PFD (life jacket).
• A helmet. Ideally one that protects your face from the sun.
• A spraydeck.

The following is a typical day on the river and most days will follow this format.

Wake up with the morning sun and the comforting noise of the river flowing past your tent. After a filling cooked breakfast prepared by the expedition cook we pack up all the equipment and get ready to leave.

We get on the water around 9:30 with all the gear in dry bags and waterproof barrels securely strapped to the rafts. We have a quick brief of the days plan and discuss the major rapids.

Your time on the water will be split between thrilling white water and scenic calm stretches. During the flat sections you can relax, take a swim or take your camera from the dry bag to shoot some wildlife and scenery.

Around midday we usually stop at a sandy beach for lunch. The cook and guides will prepare a healthy lunch to keep you energised for the rest of the day. After lunch we get back on the water for more white water and beautiful scenery before stopping for the day by mid afternoon.

Once everybody is changed into dry clothes we set up camp. After this there is plenty of time to relax, read a book or go for a walk. In the evening the cooks provide a three-course meal as you relax and watch the sunset, enjoying the remoteness of your surroundings. Our cooks provide the best in Indian and Western cuisine, tailored to your own taste and dietary needs.

After dinner, sit around the campfire discussing the day's adventures and speculate what tomorrow might bring.